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Did you see the Total Eclipse of the Moon last night?

TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE: 8/10/2014 (from 7:45-11:55 pm. Adelaide Time): My photographic compilation of the lunar show! The evening started off cloudy, but fortunately the clouds dissipated and I managed to get some excellent shots!

Total lunar eclipses explained

The Moon does not have its own light, but shines because its surface reflects the Sun’s rays. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth’s shadow blocks all the Sun’s light from directly reaching the Moon’s surface.

Lunar eclipse

Eclipses of the Moon happen when the Sun, Earth and Moon are aligned to form an almost or exact straight line. The technical term for this is syzygy, which comes from the Greek word for being paired together.

Why does the Moon look Red?

The Earth’s atmosphere, removes or blocks parts of the sunlight’s spectrum leaving only the longer wavelengths. Because of this, a totally eclipsed Moon usually looks red.

Eclipses in different colors

A lunar eclipse can also be yellow, orange, or brown in color. This is because different types of dust particles and clouds in the Earth’s atmosphere allow different wavelengths to reach the surface of the Moon.

Stages of a total lunar eclipse

A total lunar eclipse usually happens within a few hours. Totality can range anywhere from a few seconds to about 100 minutes.

There are 7 stages of a total lunar eclipse:

Penumbral eclipse begins: This begins when the penumbral part of Earth’s shadow starts moving over the Moon. This phase is not easily seen by the naked eye.

Partial eclipse begins: The Earth’s umbra starts covering the Moon, making the eclipse more visible.

Total eclipse begins: Earth’s umbra completely covers the Moon and the Moon is red, brown or yellow in color.

Maximum eclipse: This is the middle of the total eclipse.

Total eclipse ends: At this stage, the Earth’s umbra starts moving away from the Moon’s surface.

Thanks Jamie! It gives a new look from conventional photos of the eclipse, as it shows the transition from red to white moon a little more lucidly. Yes, energies are intense, getting lots of work done! :).

WELL DONE! Great compilation! Very nice set of images completely describing the Lunar eclipse with authentic supporting text. This is the first time I saw the images of copper colored moon during its eclipse! Thanks for sharing.

Thank you so much Barry. I was so blessed to experience most of the eclipse under clear skies. It was magnificent! I am so glad that I can share these images with others! If you want to catch the next Blood Moon, it will occur on April 4, 2015, and then again on September 28, 2015. If you miss those 2 you’ll have to wait another 12 years! :

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Welcome! Hello, my name is Bridget Cameron.
I am an poet, writer, photographer, musician, artist, counsellor, naturalist... I am inspired by the beauty in nature, in people, music and the unseen. I like to ask the big questions, yet enjoy the simple pleasures in life, and am guided by compassion.
Blessings to you, Bridget :)